At the end of the week, funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will expire. Congress has just a few days to pass a funding bill and avoid a lapse in appropriations that will cause a partial shutdown of the department.

If Congress fails to fund DHS before Saturday (Feb. 28), DHS will have no option but to partially shut down. If that occurs, some DHS employees will be subject to furloughs, which places them in non-pay status until Congress passes an appropriations bill. Employees required to report to work will not receive pay until a funding bill is approved. More

NTEU Seeks Status of Staffing Model

NTEU has asked CBP for an update on the release of the Agriculture Specialist workforce staffing model that has been long delayed.

President Colleen M. Kelley sent a letter to CBP Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske requesting a date for the staffing model’s release. The model, detailing the proper number of Agriculture Specialists, was scheduled for release in September 2013 but was delayed in order for it to be “validated internally; as well as formally presented to management.” More

Improvements to CBP Uniform Program Secured

After recent discussions with CBP over the uniform program, NTEU has successfully negotiated improvements that address safety concerns and other issues raised by local chapters. Download a flier highlighting uniform program changes.

CBP now authorizes boonie hats as part of the Class 4 Battle Dress Uniform for CBP Officers, Agriculture Specialists and Seized Property Specialists. NTEU believes that employees who work under excessive sun exposure should have hats for protection.